Martha Kessler (Mezzo-soprano)

Born: April 9, 1930 - Timişoara, Romania
Died: January 8, 2000

Martha Bugariu-Kessler was one of the outstanding Romanian Divas during 1950 - 1980. Already, during her studies at the Notre-Dame Highschool in Timişoara, her charming mezzo-soprano voice has been evident. She married Dr. Kessler from Vasiova and dwelt on the Crisan street No. 2. Her beloved husband encouraged and supported her during her first steps in her spectacular career.

Martha Kessler was the person who was responsible for Martha Kessler's debut at the Gothic Caderala in Sibiu where she performed in 1950 the alto the J.S. Bach's Mass in B minor (BWV 232). Thereafter, she joined the Philharmonic Vocal Quartet in Bucharest with whom she sang as a mezzo-soprano and accomplished a brilliant career during the next 30 years. Her repertoire included most vocal masterpieces. She appeared all over Europe, the Soviet Union and Israel and sang with most prestigious artists . Martha Kessler died in 2000 due to a long enduring malignant disease.

Source: Agenda - Timisoara Website (2006), English translation by Teddy Kaufman (December 2006)
Contributed by Teddy Kaufman (September 2006, December 2006); Manfred Krugmann (Photos 01-02, July 2011)

Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works

Conductor

As

Works

Diethard Hellmann

Alto

BWV 39

Helmuth Rilling

Alto

BWV 20

Links to other Sites

Radio 3net Online - Un Radio In Culori

Agenda - Timisoara [Rumanian]